NASW is a member of a global Social Service Workforce Strengthening Alliance that was formed following the November 2010 Conference in Cape Town.  The Alliance advocates for and coordinates support to country level initiatives that help to develop the workforce that provides critical services to vulnerable children and families.  The Alliance is currently seeking a Senior Advisor, SWWS Alliance to further the work... 

In December 2011, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a bulletin on the Essential Health Benefits (EHB), an important component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (see 12/21/11 blog posting).   This week, NASW submitted its comments (see here) on DHHS’ proposed approach.  NASW made a strong appeal for a comprehensive, uniform set of national health benefits, and suggested that weak,... 

Medicare and Inpatient Services: Coverage, Rights & Resources During Care Transitions Thursday, February 23, 2012 Exclusively for NASW Members 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET Credit Hours: 1 CEU(s) Social workers play a key role in helping clients access inpatient medical and rehabilitative care under original Medicare and private Medicare Advantage plans. Such assistance is critical as Medicare beneficiaries transition... 

In 2009, the U.S. Senate approved a resolution by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Sam Brownback (R-Ka.) to observe National Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Month from January 1 to February 1.  January 11th has become a National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.  President Obama declared January 2012 to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. ... 

Advance your career, build your network, expand your learning – Present at NASW’s National Conference 2012 National Association of Social Workers 2012 National Conference July 22-25, 2012 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC Visit http://www.aievolution.com/nsw1201 to submit your proposal. ————————————————— Present... 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued two important announcements related to the Affordable Care Act this week. Thirty-two health care organizations from around the country were selected to participate in the Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACOs) Program.  The Pioneer ACO program was designed for organizations with experience operating in ACO-like arrangements.  These 32 health care organizations... 

In a surprise move last Friday, HHS released a bulletin announcing its intention to let states determine the scope of essential health benefits to be established under the Affordable Care Act.  The  Essential Health Benefits Package (EHB) forms the basis for insurance coverage offered through the state-based “exchanges,” when they become operational in 2014.  The EHB will determine health care coverage for millions... 

Older Adults Adjusting to New Life Challenges: How Social Workers Help Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Exclusively for Specialty Practice Section Members Sponsored by the NASW Aging Section 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET Credit Hours: 1.5 CEU(s) Presenter: • Forrest Hong, LCSW, C-ASWCM Moderator(s): • Kamilah Omari, LMSW-Clinical and Macro, ACSW Thanks to the emergence of modern medicine and drugs, the generation... 

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP): Comprehensive Coverage for the Uninsured The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes numerous programs to improve health care access for Americans.  One of these is the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP).  The PCIP is available nationwide for children and adults who have been locked out of the health insurance market because of a pre-existing condition. The PCIP... 

December has seen a renewed commitment to LGBT rights globally.  In early December, President Barack Obama issued the “International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons” memorandum which  directed government agencies to ensure U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote LGBT human rights and fight discrimination.   Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton...